HBO Gives John Oliver His Own Weekly Satirical News and Topical Comedy Show

HBO Gives John Oliver His Own Weekly Satirical News and Topical Comedy Show

We weren’t the only ones who thought John Oliver deserved a show of his own after an excellent stint filling in for Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show” this summer. HBO felt the same way, and since HBO’s a television network, the folks there were actually able to do something about it.

HBO announced this afternoon that John Oliver has signed on to star in a weekly topical comedy series “presenting a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events.” It’ll launch in 2014 on (boo!) an already crowded Sunday night.

“We weren’t otherwise searching for another weekly talk show, but when we saw John Oliver handling host duties on ‘The Daily Show,’ we knew that his singular perspective and distinct voice belonged on HBO,” said HBO’s Michael Lombardo in release. “We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home.”

Oliver added, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining HBO, especially as I presume this means I get free HBO now. I want to thank Comedy Central, and everyone at ‘The Daily Show’ for the best seven and a half years of my life. But most of all, I’d like to thank Jon Stewart. He taught me everything I know. In fact, if I fail in the future, it’s entirely his fault.”

Oliver joined “The Daily Show” as a correspondent in 2006, and is also the host of “John Oliver’s New York Stand Up Show” on Comedy Central as well as a recurring actor on “Community.” Here’s Oliver wrapping up his summer stint as the temp host of “The Daily Show” by thanking Anthony Weiner, whose online handle provided Oliver with a signature dance move.